Town of Salem is one of my all-time favourite games. It’s a free browser game, accessible to everyone, and is exciting because it relies on your wits and logic, rather than lightning quick reflexes. Every game, you are put into town with
14 other people. The goal of the game is simply to stay alive.

There are 29 roles here, and there are three main alignments – Mafia (the dark side, who try to kill everyone else), Townies (the light side, who try to find and lynch all the evil roles), and Neutral (werewolves, survivors, and vampires, that can choose either side to fight for).

Every round features a night phase where you can use the special ability given to your role, such as the doctor’s ability to protect someone or the sheriff’s ability to interrogate people. Then day breaks and the discussion phase starts. One person will be chosen to go on trial, where they must then defend themselves with only words in the chat room.

It might seem overwhelming at first, but muddle throught the first few games and you will quickly enjoy the fun of this intellectual challenge. The anonymity and random roles give you a new perspective each time, while the discussion between players is key to winning. There’s a fair amount of lies told in the chat room, and it is your job as the player to distinguish deceit from truth. Who you trust can be the difference between life and death. Manipulated by someone hiding behind a façade? You’ll be the first one to die.

The audio of this game also successfully creates a dark, creepy atmosphere, truly living up to the dark history of its name. There are also a bunch of modes that can be customised, meaning that there will always be something new to each game.

Try it – each round is short and you might even meet some new friends from around the globe. Don’t blame me if you get addicted!